Former Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne will continue with plans to run a full NASCAR Nationwide Series program in 2014 despite revealing that he has multiple sclerosis.
The news comes more than two years after Bayne missed five weeks of racing in his Daytona winning 2011 season due to fatigue.
Initially blamed on complications from an insect bite or Lyme disease, Bayne’s determination to find the root cause saw him undergo extensive medical testing earlier this year.
The Roush Fenway contracted driver received the diagnosis in June but says he has not suffered any symptoms since mid-2011.
Bayne’s sister also has the central nervous system disease, for which a cure remains allusive.
“I’ve never been more driven to compete,” said Bayne, who currently sits sixth in the Nationwide standings with one race remaining.
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“My goals are the same as they’ve been since I started racing. I want to compete at the highest level and I want to win races and championships. I am in the best shape I’ve ever been in and I feel good.
“There are currently no symptoms and I’m committed to continuing to take the best care of my body as possible.”
Jack Roush confirmed his team’s support for the 22-year-old, who has run a part-time Sprint Cup program with customer outfit Wood Brothers Racing over the last three seasons in addition to his Nationwide duties.
“We are 100 percent supportive of Trevor and his ability to compete in a race car,” said Roush.
“I have full confidence in Trevor and his partners have all expressed that same confidence and support.
“As with all of our drivers, we look forward to standing behind Trevor and providing him with all of the tools he needs as he continues to develop in his young career.”
The Cup series concludes this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, to which Jimmie Johnson takes a commanding 28 point lead over Matt Kenseth.
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